DAYLIGHT: All–New Show! 35th Anniversary Season! Big Apple Circus Presents LEGENDARIUM A Journey into Circus Past Annual Engagement at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park October 20, 2012 – January 13, 2013 Highly Recommended by Whom You Know!!!! A Must-See As Always!!!
First things first, New York! The circus is in town, and you need to be there. Don't delay.
At this point in time, Whom You Know has published over 13,000 articles. Many brands have been featured once, and far fewer twice. Very few have been featured five times or more and there is only ONE brand that has been as highly lauded as a daytime activity in Manhattan at any time of the year as The Big Apple Circus for everyone from 2 to 102. This is a show for every age.
This is the expression you'll have when you find out that you're going to The Big Apple Circus!
You will almost burst.
The Big Apple Circus is a tradition that is here to stay for us, and it should be for you too. If you are an avid reader, you know that when Peachy's pal turned 16 when they were students in Farmington this girl's dad took them to New York for her birthday to The Big Apple Circus (he watches it with them from heaven now), and every time Peachy's gone she's come with her and now Piper her daughter comes.
You must check out the program so you will be able to identify all the performers and be able to tell Aunt Peachy what you like about each of them because you know the questions are coming after the show~! And there will be a lot of them Piper knows and we have never seen her as absorbed in anything as we see her when she is watching The Big Apple Circus. Notice the right arm cast-someone doing an at-home acrobatic is ok now...
We like it even more now that we've met Paul Binder, the founder of The Big Apple Circus.
We first featured The Big Apple Circus in January 2010, and we were among the first to see it when it returned in the Fall of 2010. We returned in the Fall of 2011, and could not be more excited to tell you about the 35th Anniversary Season. We love going so much it has inspired Peachy to learn how to fly off a trapeze (now that aforementioned friend who is a gymnast - and we know Peachy is not- is no longer pregnant she will have to do it with us as it was her idea originally!), and when you find out you have tickets for The Big Apple Circus, you'll be doing a happy dance like Piper.
When you finally get to your seat you'll be so excited you can hardly sit in it.
You will sit in awe of what you see they can do!
John Kennedy Kane is the Ringmaster today; Paul told Peachy he was once the Ringmaster. He told Peachy she was wearing a Ringmaster's hat at the Gala...although designer Ellen Christine calls it a Mini Victorian Riding Hat, today we will call it a Ringmaster's hat.
The gallantry, pomp and circumstance is all there this year like every other time, and as soon as it begins you will sit up a little straighter and move to the edge of your seat so you don't miss a thing. Peachy's favorite is the Trapeze, and words don't justify the skill and talent that we now appreciate firsthand, since we tried it ourselves and see how difficult it is and how brave one must be!
Third-generation circus performer Jenny Vidbel continues to amaze and captivate us with her horses, who simply adore her. Animals in this show are always a highlight and you can tell they are well-taken care of and delightful.
Another thing we love about The Big Apple Circus is how there is not a bad seat in the house. In a city like New York where everything is crowded and populated, there aren't many places that you can go to with such an intimate setting where the performers are so well-seen by each audience member. Sometimes they come out of the ring and interact with you, and don't worry if they knock your popcorn-we saw that they will replace it if that happens!
Seth Bloom and Christina Gelstone do a fantastic Acrobuffos Act that will put a smile on all of your faces. We particularly love Christina's bouncing skills and this is one smart cookie with a degree from Princeton.
Sometimes audience members become participants:
Elayne Kramer is in a word-astounding. A sixth-generation circus performer, she would put Gumby to shame. If you see flexible in the dictionary, her picture must be by the word.
Though the horses were awesome, Peachy liked the dogs even better:
They dance!
They jump through hoops!
They ride scooters!
We should stop talking because mere words do not begin to encompass all that this show covers, and certainly no number of words can do the show justice. You just have to see it for yourself! In a jaded city like Manhattan where we've all seen it all, The Big Apple Circus is something that brings enchantment and wonder to the eyes of each person that watches it year after year, and that is truly amazing.
Our esteemed panelist adds:
The Big Apple Circus has always been a favorite of mine through the years. Incredible acrobats perform some of the most unusual tricks in the world right before your eyes. And when I say right before your eyes, I mean so close you can feel their concentration. I love the intimate size of the 42-foot ring that makes you feel like you are right in the action. Apparently the 42-foot ring is exactly the size to allow horses to get to a full gallop around the ring.
This year the Big Apple Circus has some major changes with their show with the retirement of long time clown "Grandma”. Honestly I was happy to see her/him go and was greatly surprised with how much I and my 4 year old daughter loved the new act of the Acrobuffos. A husband/wife clown team that delights and makes you giggle with a giant butt that seems to always be in the way will leave you doubled over. From passing through the aisles to being bounced on her fanny you never know what to expect next. A great addition to the show this year!
As far as the acts go, there was some memorizing moments especially from Elayne Kramer, a sixth generation contortionist. This was by far the most impressive and eye boggling performance ever. Kramer took her bendy body (my daughter and I call her bendy girl) to new limits.
The incredible balance and strength are seen as she positions her body into bone crunching positions.
Then to top it all off she balances all bent up and holds herself only up by biting on a bar. Truly a one of a kind performance.
Other performances that really set this circus apart were the Quinterion Group that takes traditional Hungarian dancing and mixes it with strength, acrobatics and incredible balance. Jumping and flipping through the air only to land on each other’s shoulders and hands. Love the traditional costumes as well. The animals are always a big hit especially with my daughter. She loves the enchantment of the ponies and way the horses command the ring. Mix them with little ponies and you have a big hit. Amazing how well they were trained to know what order and position they needed to be in and their incredible timing. The same trainer Jenny Vidbel also trains the dogs that were adorable.
One even rode a scooter holding on to the handle bars and pushing off of one leg…ridiculous!
There were several other interesting acts from tango dancers mixed it up by juggling through their steps without losing the romantic and sensual feel of the dance and twirling aerial straps and couple flying through the air just with just their strength keeping them from falling. Ending with a more modern trick performance by the Dalian Group performed all on bicycles and you have a great show.
This year the Big Apple Circus really is themed around Paying homage to the traditional dance and acrobatics of the countries the performers are from. Legendarium is a great new year for the Big Apple Circus. Don’t miss out on the mystifying acts get headed over the tent in Lincoln Center this holiday season.
Whom You Know Highly Recommends The Big Apple Circus's 35th Anniversary Legenardarium Show-it is an absolute-must-see.
No such thing as too old for The Big Apple Circus!
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Welcome to the Big Apple Circus LEGENDARIUM, where you will experience the nostalgic thrills of bygone Big Tops and get a first–hand view of Beauties, Daredevils, and Clowns from another era! At our 35th Anniversary season production, no seat is more than 50 feet from the Globe’s Most Spectacular Circus Performers! The Big Apple Circus presents LEGENDARIUM in its annual engagement at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park from Saturday, October 20, 2012 through Sunday, January 13, 2013.
Travel back to when circus traditions were born and witness incredible acts that would have had the villagers chattering for days! The courageous mid-air flips and catches of a man on the trapeze! A captivating contortionist whose flexibility is as impressive as her steadfast poise! An agile, adept acrobat and her strapping suitors! A swaying wire act of sure-footed strength and stability! The dizzying delights of a daring inventor in his tumbling, twirling hoop! The stunning, soaring beauty of a pair on aerial straps and a woman held aloft by hanging silks! A jaw-dropping juggling tango team performing to passionate rhythms! Bicyclists whose spinning wheels turn smooth and speedy stunts! Majestic horses with graceful gaits and playful pups with teasing tricks! And what circus would be complete without bumbling clowns who bring the spirit of timeless comedy?! It’s all led by an affable Ringmaster and the great Big Apple Circus Band playing the iconic songs of yesteryear! So run away with the Big Apple Circus and relive Big Tops of old in a memorable one-ring show for the ages!
Show Information
Performers from around the world create joyful memories at the Big Apple Circus under the artistic direction of Guillaume Dufresnoy for the 2012–13 season show:
ó From the US, the Acrobuffos, the husband-and-wife clown team, bring gales of laughter to the Big Apple Circus with their slapstick comedy!
ó From Bulgaria, Andrey Mantchev takes to the skies in a solo trapeze act of mid-air flips and jaw-dropping catches!
ó From China, the all-female Dalian Acrobatic Troupeperforms perilous poses of superior synchronization on bicycles!
ó From Canada, Daniel Cyr spirals and spins around the ring in a steel hoop of his own invention!
ó From Russia, breathtaking duo Desire of Flight (Valeriy Sychev and Malvina Abakarova) defies gravity in soaring stunts on aerial straps!
ó From Russia, Katerina is a lithe vision of grace wrapped and whirling in aerial silks!
ó From Argentina, Elayne Kramer astounds with a backbone as flexible as an archer’s bow!
ó From France and the Netherlands, Emily and Menno van Dyke combine the dramatic passion of tango with rhythmic juggling for a dance of flawless coordination!
ó From the US, Jenny Vidbel exudes pure pride with her handsome horses, prancing ponies, and perky pups!
ó From the US, John Kennedy Kane is a debonair ringmaster guiding you through the world of the circus!
ó From Hungary, the Quinterion Troupe demonstrates unparalleled power as sculpted men flip, throw, and catch a fearless maiden!
ó From China, Zhang Fan faces the ultimate test of balance, performing stunts of sheer strength on a swaying slack wire!
In his Big Apple Circus directing début is West Hyler who, along with Matt Williams as assistant director, presents an unforgettable show for all ages.John Lee Beatty, member of the Theater Hall of Fame, brings nearly four decades of New York experience as set designer. With a career spanning theatre, film, resorts, and dance, Mirena Rada returns with her stunning costume designs. Tony Award-winner Howell Binkley brings extensive experience and expertise as lighting designer. Five-time winner of the MAC Award for Technical Direction, JP Perreaux returns to the circus as sound designer. As always, the Big Apple Circus Band enthralls under the musical direction of maestro Rob Slowik.
Ticket Information
Performances of LEGENDARIUM begin on Saturday, October 20th and run for 134 shows through Sunday, January 13th under the Big Top at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center (62nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues), the second stop on the Big Apple Circus’s tour, following its world premiere engagement at Dulles Town Center, VA. Tickets forLEGENDARIUM start at $25 and are available at www.bigapplecircus.orgor by calling (888) 541-3750. The Circus Box Office, located in front of the Big Top, will open Monday, October 15th; there is no service charge for tickets purchased at the box office. Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday through Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM. For more ticket information, group sales, inquiries about wheelchair–accessible seating or for additional information please call the Ticket Info Line at (800) 922-3772.
The Big Top is heated in cold weather and air–conditioned in warm, for all–season comfort! The show runs for 2 hours, including a 15 minute intermission.
Big Apple Circus
For 35 years the Big Apple Circus, New York’s original one-ring circus, has been delighting audiences of all ages under its Big Top by presenting the finest in live family entertainment featuring world-class circus artistry. Experience the instant connection between audience and artist as your family sits less than 50 feet from the ring. The Big Apple Circus is a not-for-profit performing arts and outreach institution committed to invigorating the communities we serve with the joy and wonder of classical circus. Tax-deductible contributions made by corporations, foundations and individuals enable the Big Apple Circus to bring its special magic to diverse audiences through its outreach programs — Clown Care[SM],Vaudeville Caravan[SM], Circus After School[SM], Circus For All!® and Circus of the Senses® — as well as its critically acclaimed performances.
For Membership, Private Performances and more information, please visit our website at
